Opening Panel Discussion: Ecumenical Period of Reflection on Disability and the Bible

As we mark the first anniversary of the release of the final report of the Disability Royal Commission, a group of ecumenical leaders invite you to a period of reflection on disability and the bible.

This opening panel discussion brings together biblical scholars and disability theologians to reflect together on the bible’s diverse portraits of disability and impairment, and on the contexts in which these texts were written and those in which they continue to be interpreted.

This is a discussion that might shape our practice of reading and ministry together, drawing on the latest research and theological reflection on diverse lived experience. And it will open a discussion for which Inside Others will provide further resources over the weeks that follow, for those who would like to take this reflection further.

These are crucial questions for everyone who draws on the bible in ministry settings and you are warmly invited to join us for it.

There will be opportunity to join a collegial group (sometimes called a Peer Learning Group) to deepen learning, and for ongoing reflection on practice in your context. There will be three gatherings fortnightly. More information on the 8th

Note: This event includes catering from 5pm. When registering, please provide information about dietary requirements, and any other accessibility needs. Online participants will receive the Zoom link at 4:30pm on the day of the event.

Panellists:

1. MEREDITH ALLAN

Meredith Allan is National Treasurer of ISAAC-Australia and was world President of ISAAC 2018-2020. ISAAC is the International Society for Augmented and Alternative Communication. Meredith worked for the Australian Public Service for almost 30 years and now has blissfully retired from the full time workforce. Meredith works on a casual basis as a Communication Assessor and Disability Educator with Scope in Victoria, which is part of the process to be awarded the Communication Access symbol. Meredith also is on the Board of the NDIA.

Meredith is a person who uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to communicate and takes great joy in watching other people who use AAC become more confident and take leadership roles.

2. LOUISE GOSBELL

 Louise is a researcher and writer in disability, with a focus on disability in the Bible as well as in church practice. In 2021, Louise worked with the Social Issues Committee of the Sydney Anglican Diocese to release a set of accessibility guidelines for churches on disability inclusion called “Everyone Welcome: Accessible church for all.” Louise lives with a neurological disability and a number of chronic health conditions & is also the parent to a child with disability.

3. JUSTIN GLYN SJ

Justin Glyn SJ is a Catholic priest, Jesuit. academic in the area of law and theology and a civil and canon lawyer. He is a fellow of The Loyola Institute and honorary fellow of ACU. Among other things, he writes about disability theology.